3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Javeria’s Answer
Hello Juan,
Many have already contributed insightful responses to your queries, all of which are incredibly valuable. I'd like to build upon their advice by suggesting that you initiate a search for remote work on the platforms mentioned, focusing on your general field rather than strictly "industrial". I know this means casting a wider net under the broader categories of engineering or tech, but breaking down your search into manageable chunks can prevent it from becoming too daunting.
Look at the requirements and responsibilities listed in open job postings, and use these as a guide to hone your skills or acquire new ones. Consider taking on freelance or contract work as a stepping stone into the industry. Remember, there are numerous fantastic companies that might initially require in-person or hybrid work models but could potentially offer remote work later. Don't overlook these opportunities.
If you're fortunate enough to secure a remote position straight away, that's fantastic. But it's equally important to keep an open mind about other possibilities. Above all, I urge you to concentrate on gathering experiences at the outset. This isn't just about professional development; it's also about enhancing your social skills.
Many have already contributed insightful responses to your queries, all of which are incredibly valuable. I'd like to build upon their advice by suggesting that you initiate a search for remote work on the platforms mentioned, focusing on your general field rather than strictly "industrial". I know this means casting a wider net under the broader categories of engineering or tech, but breaking down your search into manageable chunks can prevent it from becoming too daunting.
Look at the requirements and responsibilities listed in open job postings, and use these as a guide to hone your skills or acquire new ones. Consider taking on freelance or contract work as a stepping stone into the industry. Remember, there are numerous fantastic companies that might initially require in-person or hybrid work models but could potentially offer remote work later. Don't overlook these opportunities.
If you're fortunate enough to secure a remote position straight away, that's fantastic. But it's equally important to keep an open mind about other possibilities. Above all, I urge you to concentrate on gathering experiences at the outset. This isn't just about professional development; it's also about enhancing your social skills.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Juan Camilo
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Juan !
Congratulations on your Degree in Industrial Engineering, a multi-faceted field of work ! That is a wonderful accomplishment !
I am very sorry that your college has not provided you with the moves forward for this career. My first suggestion would be to return to your college Engineering Department and meet with professors and ask questions. Also, since you have your degree, you know exactly what the career is involved with and it includes a great deal of person to person contact and sometimes groups of people, so it cannot be done online, also due to the hands on duties with physical objects. You can also visit your campus Career Center and maybe they can inform you of what the career entails and also guide you to leads for your first career job. I'm speculating that you will have to get years of experience on site in person before you can perhaps find an Engineering position that maybe, by chance, could turn into a hybrid position. There are just too many people and physical objects that you'll need to be involved with for this particular career. Next time, state why it is you want remote work.
So, you are in New York City and there is a wide market for your work. Websites such as Zip Recruiter, Linked In, Glassdoor, Zippia, Simply Hired and company websites are good places to look for Industrial Engineering positions. Read the job descriptions and you will see that the duties reflect the need to do this work on site and in person.
Another idea I have for you is to join the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and/or the American Society for Engineering Education. These organizations may have important information for you to get you started. You may also want to visit your Department of Labor and also research real estate companies to see who may be hiring industrial engineers. So it will take a lot on your part to actively do the inquiring. Keep a record of all the places that you apply to. But before you start looking, make sure to have a resume and an interchangeable cover letter to send out. Someone at the Career Center of the school you graduated from could help you with that.
So, even though we may hold in our minds the ideal work set-up for ourselves, we need to be flexible enough to take advantage of great opportunities that do come along. Examine why you want a remote engineering career and return to Career Village and present it because aiming for remote as an engineer may pose a barrier for you when it otherwise doesn't have to.
Best wishes to you in all you do !
Congratulations on your Degree in Industrial Engineering, a multi-faceted field of work ! That is a wonderful accomplishment !
I am very sorry that your college has not provided you with the moves forward for this career. My first suggestion would be to return to your college Engineering Department and meet with professors and ask questions. Also, since you have your degree, you know exactly what the career is involved with and it includes a great deal of person to person contact and sometimes groups of people, so it cannot be done online, also due to the hands on duties with physical objects. You can also visit your campus Career Center and maybe they can inform you of what the career entails and also guide you to leads for your first career job. I'm speculating that you will have to get years of experience on site in person before you can perhaps find an Engineering position that maybe, by chance, could turn into a hybrid position. There are just too many people and physical objects that you'll need to be involved with for this particular career. Next time, state why it is you want remote work.
So, you are in New York City and there is a wide market for your work. Websites such as Zip Recruiter, Linked In, Glassdoor, Zippia, Simply Hired and company websites are good places to look for Industrial Engineering positions. Read the job descriptions and you will see that the duties reflect the need to do this work on site and in person.
Another idea I have for you is to join the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers and/or the American Society for Engineering Education. These organizations may have important information for you to get you started. You may also want to visit your Department of Labor and also research real estate companies to see who may be hiring industrial engineers. So it will take a lot on your part to actively do the inquiring. Keep a record of all the places that you apply to. But before you start looking, make sure to have a resume and an interchangeable cover letter to send out. Someone at the Career Center of the school you graduated from could help you with that.
So, even though we may hold in our minds the ideal work set-up for ourselves, we need to be flexible enough to take advantage of great opportunities that do come along. Examine why you want a remote engineering career and return to Career Village and present it because aiming for remote as an engineer may pose a barrier for you when it otherwise doesn't have to.
Best wishes to you in all you do !
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Juan Camilo
You're welcome, Juan Camilo !
Michelle M.
Updated
Denise’s Answer
Hello Juan,
While I'm not an industrial engineer I do have a career that affords me the ability to work remotely.
I'm including some steps below that will hopefully help in your search for a position that enables you to do the same.
1. Self-Assessment and Preparation
- Skills Inventory: Assess your skills and ensure they align with remote work requirements. Key skills include process optimization, supply chain management, data analysis, and proficiency with software tools like AutoCAD, MATLAB, and other simulation tools.
- Remote Work Readiness: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, a dedicated workspace, and familiarity with remote collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, MS Teams).
2. Update Your Resume and Online Profiles
- Resume: Highlight your relevant experience, emphasizing any remote work or projects you've managed virtually. Tailor your resume for each application to emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the job description.
- LinkedIn: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date. Include keywords related to remote industrial engineering work to improve your visibility to recruiters.
3. Job Search Platforms
- General Job Boards: Use platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Monster. Use specific keywords such as "Remote Industrial Engineer," "Work from Home Industrial Engineer," or "Telecommute Industrial Engineer."
- Remote-Specific Job Boards: Websites like Remote.co, We Work Remotely, FlexJobs, and Remote OK specialize in remote job listings and can be particularly useful.
4. Networking
- Professional Networks: Join Industrial Engineering groups on LinkedIn and other professional networks. Engage in discussions, share your expertise, and let your network know you’re looking for remote opportunities.
- Alumni Associations: Reach out to your college or university's alumni network. They can be a valuable resource for job leads and introductions.
- Industry Conferences and Webinars: Participate in online industry conferences and webinars to meet potential employers and learn about companies that support remote work.
5. Company Research
- Target Companies: Identify companies known for offering remote work positions. Check their career pages regularly for job postings.
- Glassdoor and Company Reviews: Research company reviews to understand their culture and remote work policies. Look for companies with positive feedback regarding remote work support.
6. Tailored Applications
- Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter for each application. Highlight your remote work experience and your ability to manage projects and collaborate with teams virtually.
- Application Follow-Up: Follow up on your applications to express continued interest and inquire about the hiring timeline.
7. Prepare for Interviews
- Virtual Interview Skills: Practice common interview questions and scenarios, focusing on how you manage tasks, communicate, and collaborate remotely.
- Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio showcasing relevant projects, process improvements, and any remote work experience.
8. Continuous Skill Development
- Online Courses and Certifications: Consider enrolling in courses or obtaining certifications in areas like Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or specific software tools to enhance your marketability.
- Stay Updated: Keep up with industry trends and advancements, particularly those related to remote work and digital tools in industrial engineering.
9. Freelancing and Contract Work
- Freelancing Platforms: Explore freelancing platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal, which can offer remote industrial engineering projects.
- Contract Work: Look for contract opportunities that allow you to work remotely. These can sometimes lead to full-time remote positions.
10. Persistence and Patience
- Stay Organized: Keep track of applications, follow-ups, and network connections using a spreadsheet or job search tool.
- Be Patient: Finding the right remote job can take time. Stay persistent and continue refining your approach based on feedback and experiences.
Best of luck to you in your search!
While I'm not an industrial engineer I do have a career that affords me the ability to work remotely.
I'm including some steps below that will hopefully help in your search for a position that enables you to do the same.
1. Self-Assessment and Preparation
- Skills Inventory: Assess your skills and ensure they align with remote work requirements. Key skills include process optimization, supply chain management, data analysis, and proficiency with software tools like AutoCAD, MATLAB, and other simulation tools.
- Remote Work Readiness: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection, a dedicated workspace, and familiarity with remote collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, MS Teams).
2. Update Your Resume and Online Profiles
- Resume: Highlight your relevant experience, emphasizing any remote work or projects you've managed virtually. Tailor your resume for each application to emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the job description.
- LinkedIn: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date. Include keywords related to remote industrial engineering work to improve your visibility to recruiters.
3. Job Search Platforms
- General Job Boards: Use platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Monster. Use specific keywords such as "Remote Industrial Engineer," "Work from Home Industrial Engineer," or "Telecommute Industrial Engineer."
- Remote-Specific Job Boards: Websites like Remote.co, We Work Remotely, FlexJobs, and Remote OK specialize in remote job listings and can be particularly useful.
4. Networking
- Professional Networks: Join Industrial Engineering groups on LinkedIn and other professional networks. Engage in discussions, share your expertise, and let your network know you’re looking for remote opportunities.
- Alumni Associations: Reach out to your college or university's alumni network. They can be a valuable resource for job leads and introductions.
- Industry Conferences and Webinars: Participate in online industry conferences and webinars to meet potential employers and learn about companies that support remote work.
5. Company Research
- Target Companies: Identify companies known for offering remote work positions. Check their career pages regularly for job postings.
- Glassdoor and Company Reviews: Research company reviews to understand their culture and remote work policies. Look for companies with positive feedback regarding remote work support.
6. Tailored Applications
- Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter for each application. Highlight your remote work experience and your ability to manage projects and collaborate with teams virtually.
- Application Follow-Up: Follow up on your applications to express continued interest and inquire about the hiring timeline.
7. Prepare for Interviews
- Virtual Interview Skills: Practice common interview questions and scenarios, focusing on how you manage tasks, communicate, and collaborate remotely.
- Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio showcasing relevant projects, process improvements, and any remote work experience.
8. Continuous Skill Development
- Online Courses and Certifications: Consider enrolling in courses or obtaining certifications in areas like Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or specific software tools to enhance your marketability.
- Stay Updated: Keep up with industry trends and advancements, particularly those related to remote work and digital tools in industrial engineering.
9. Freelancing and Contract Work
- Freelancing Platforms: Explore freelancing platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal, which can offer remote industrial engineering projects.
- Contract Work: Look for contract opportunities that allow you to work remotely. These can sometimes lead to full-time remote positions.
10. Persistence and Patience
- Stay Organized: Keep track of applications, follow-ups, and network connections using a spreadsheet or job search tool.
- Be Patient: Finding the right remote job can take time. Stay persistent and continue refining your approach based on feedback and experiences.
Best of luck to you in your search!
Thanks so much :)
Juan Camilo